One of my favorite ways to spend a summer evening is sitting in a lawn chair in Lansing’s Cesar Chavez Plaza, eating Cravings popcorn, and watching a free movie with a bunch of neighbors and friends and fireflies. Four times each summer I get to indulge myself at the Turner Street Outdoor Theater. Plus, this year the organizers have added musical acts to kick off each show.

Ozay Moore performed songs about Michigan.

Last night’s feature was Hook. Not a movie I needed to see a second time, but the experience is so much fun I’d sit through just about anything. As musician Ozay Moore put it, it’s not about “Hook,” it’s about building community and community engagement. He’s right; there’s something so sweet about seeing couples, families, and young people all congregating for a shared activity.

You have three more chances to join in the fun. Movies start at 10 p.m. Music starts at 9 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket (the most comfortable chair you can find is your best bet). Bring your own snacks. Or, better yet, stop at Cravings Popcorn to pick up a couple flavors of popcorn and some retro soda pop. Bug spray, a sweater, and maybe some earplugs (these movies can be LOUD!) can also come in handy.

Upcoming Music and Movies
Friday, July 25: Wisaal / The Karate Kid
Friday, August 8: DJ Ruckus / Gremlins
Friday, August 15: Gifts or Creatures / Flight of the Navigator